You’ve probably been invited to join your local chamber of commerce, a nearby business networking group, or a regional association of some kind. At first glance, these groups seem like a no-brainer for MSPs trying to build local business awareness. You meet other professionals, get listed in a directory, maybe even host a lunch-and-learn.
“Expensive advertising isn’t as effective as networking and relationship-building,” said Mike Bloomfield, president of Tekie Geek, a Staten Island, NY-based MSP. “Focus on local networking groups, industry events, and referrals to grow your business organically.”
Mike Bloomfield
Sounds good, right? Well, sometimes … but not always.
In reality, these organizations range widely in value. Some are dynamic communities that connect you to dozens of high-quality leads and referral partners. Others are sleepy lunch clubs where the same three people talk about the weather and nothing ever moves forward.
6 Questions to Ask
Before you write that annual check or block off two hours for yet another breakfast meeting, here are the key questions you should ask. These will help you determine if a business group is worth your time.
Question 1: Who Are the Active Members?
Ask for a current member list. The list should include members’ names, industries, and job titles. Is the group filled with local business owners, decision-makers, and people who could actually hire you? Or is it mostly solopreneurs, retirees, or people outside your target client base?
If it’s stacked with your ideal client types — dentists, law firms, manufacturing companies, etc. — you’ve got a better shot at creating relationships that lead to real work.
Question 2: What’s the Track Record for Referrals and Business Growth?
You’re not being selfish by asking this. You’re being strategic.
Talk to current or past members and ask what kind of ROI they’ve experienced. Have they actually landed clients or built strong referral partnerships? Or do people attend once and disappear?
Groups that can point to concrete success stories — especially from B2B providers like MSPs — are worth a closer look.
Question 3: Is There an Exclusive or ‘Seat’ System?
Some networking groups offer industry exclusivity. This means that only one MSP or IT provider can be a member at a time. It’s a great way to stand out without competition, but it also puts pressure on you to participate regularly and deliver value.
If exclusivity isn’t offered, find out how many other IT providers are in the group. If the room’s already full of your direct competitors, you’ll have to work harder to differentiate and build trust.
Question 4: What’s the Time and Financial Commitment?
Some groups meet weekly, others monthly. Some require volunteer hours or committee participation. And while dues might be a few hundred dollars, the real cost is often your time.
Be honest with yourself. Will you show up consistently? Will you have time to follow up with people you meet? If not, your investment may fizzle before it has a chance to pay off.
Question 5: What Kind of Events Does the Group Host?
Not all networking is created equal. Some organizations host informative lunch-and-learns, speed networking, or charity events that attract your ideal audience. Others stick to bland breakfasts where the same five people reintroduce themselves every month.
Review the calendar. Are there opportunities to speak, sponsor, or connect more deeply with the community? If not, you may be better off investing elsewhere.
Question 6: Can You Bring Something Valuable to the Group?
Finally, ask yourself what you bring to the table.
Groups are most effective when you participate. Can you deliver an educational session on cybersecurity? Sponsor a local business event? Help other members with their tech struggles? If the group doesn’t seem like a place where you can add value, or receive it, it’s likely a mismatch.
Final Thought: Be Strategic, Not Just Social
Joining a local business group or chamber of commerce is more than a feel-good move; it’s a business decision. When it works, it leads to long-term relationships, client referrals, and visibility in your local market. But when it doesn’t work, it drains time and distracts you from more fruitful opportunities.
Do your homework. Ask the right questions. Only invest when the answers line up with your growth goals.
Next Steps
- Want more helpful guidance? Check out our Strategic Partnerships Answer Center.
- Have a question for our experts? Send it to editors@channelpronetwork.com
ChannelPro has created this resource to help busy MSPs streamline their decision-making process. This resource offers a starting point for evaluating key business choices, saving time and providing clarity. While this resource is designed to guide you through important considerations, we encourage you to seek more references and professional advice to ensure fully informed decisions.
Featured image: iStock
